The Lord's Supper, Symbol or Ritual? 

Did Jesus ask us to remember Him or a ritual?!

By Nab B. & Jinane B. 

March 26, 2017

Updated April 2026

An Acknowledgement!

"This research paper was written and researched with the tireless support of my late beloved wife, Jinane B."

........................................

If we are to "test all things" (1 Thess 5:21), ought we not test all doctrines taught in churches? And this is what I will do: Test the validity of the teaching and the practice concerning the "Lord's Supper," or "Communion." I understand you may have never questioned the practice. So, as a word of caution, this will be a bit challenging!

My simple question is whether the "Lord's Supper" was meant to be a continual ritual as it has been, or whether it was meant to be a one-time symbol that Jesus used! What exactly did Jesus mean when he said, "Do this in remembrance of Me"? (Luke 22:19)

The information I share is what was revealed to my wife and me a few years ago. I don't expect you to believe everything (though I wish), but I urge you to at least examine carefully the reasons presented here by the Spirit and the Scriptures. 

The Lord’s Supper is a Spiritual Meal

It is important to know that the Lord's Supper is strictly a spiritual meal, not a repetitive ritual as practiced by most churches. I will establish this by the scriptures. 

Note in examples 1 and 2 below that references to the last supper and God's great supper both refer to a spiritual partaking, sharing, and fellowship.

[ 1 ]

The Last Supper!

In the Lord's Supper accounts in Matthew 26 and Luke 22, Jesus and his disciples were eating a regular "Passover" meal just like any other time. He was not performing or instituting a special ritual to be kept indefinitely!

Jesus used the available bread and wine to symbolize a glorious spiritual New Covenant, "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples...and he took the cup, ...and gave it to them, saying, drink ye all of it." (Matt 26:26-27) Here, Jesus was not commanding us to keep a perpetual meal ritual. The bread and the wine were symbols of Christ's flesh and blood. sacrificed and poured out, for a new covenant. We participate in it, not by a literal ritual of bread and wine, but rather, by spiritually partaking of Christ's life into us. 

[ 2 ]

The parable of God’s great Supper

The parable of God's "Great Supper" is a spiritual supper, prepared for Gentile believers who are spiritually portrayed as poor, maimed, lame, and blind. Jesus Christ is God's offering (feast) to all who believe, to give and sustain their lives forever through Jesus Christ.

“A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.' But they all, with one accord, began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yokes of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' Still, another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' 

"So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.'  And the servant said, 'Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.' 

"Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 'For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.'" (Luke  14:15-24)

Examples 1 and 2 above show that the "Lord's supper" and "God's great supper" point to, not a literal ritual, but a spiritual participation in Jesus Christ, whose body is God's "Bread of Life", and whose blood is "The cup of the Lord." 

It Shocked to Hear!

"Eat my Body and Drink my Blood."

It's well worth reading John 6:25-68 if you want to know precisely what Jesus meant by "Eat my body and drink my blood." He never meant for us to consume literal flesh and blood or bread and wine. 

The context and action verbs in John 6 denote a continual feeding on Christ's spiritual body. As a sample, I used the Concordant Literal NT Translation, which conveys the original text accurately:

"I am the Bread of life. He who is coming to Me should under no circumstances be hungering, and he who is believing in Me will under no circumstances ever be thirsting." (John 6:36)

"I am the living Bread which descends out of heaven. If anyone should be eating of this Bread, he shall be living for the eon." (John 6:51)

"He who is masticating (eating) My flesh and drinking My blood has life eonian." (John 6:54) 

It shocked the crowd to hear Jesus saying, "Eat my flesh and drink my blood." They misunderstood his speech, grasping it literally instead of spiritually. Jesus corrected them, saying, “The words I speak are spirit and life. The flesh (unspiritual understanding) benefits NOTHING.” (John 6:63) The lesson? Jesus' words are to be understood spiritually, not literally.

Based on John chapter 6, it is clear that Jesus did not mean literal eating of flesh and blood or literal consuming of bread and wine. This is so because Christ's teachings are spiritual, not carnal, ritualistic, or ceremonial. They are better understood and discerned spiritually, as Paul puts it, "We impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor 2:13-14 ESV)

Why the Analogy of Food and Drink

Food and drink are needed every day and several times a day. Similarly, true believers feed spiritually on Christ "every day" and "as often" for their continual spiritual nourishment and survival.

As literal food becomes part of the human body, our "Bread from heaven," Jesus Christ, becomes part of our spiritual being. This is how we are transformed day by day, “We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord (Christ), are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” (2 Cor 3:18 ESV)

Would it not be unreasonable to keep a regular "bread and wine" ritual or ceremony to remember Christ when he is already dwelling in born-again believers by the Spirit? Numerous scriptures refer to him dwelling in us already. Jesus himself promised, "At that day (when the spirit is received) ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you." (John 14:20)

What does "in Remembrance of Me" Mean? 

Was Jesus saying to remember a ritual, a ceremony, or to remember him? Notice carefully what he said, “For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:18-19) 

The eating of spiritual bread is how we "Remember him." It is the daily spiritual partaking of Christ's body, given to us, not through ritual or a ceremony. 

Can we remember Christ once a year, a month, or always? Note Paul's words on the frequency: “For as often as (Gk., hosakis, or as many times) you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." (1 Cor 11:26 NKJV) Born-again believers feed on Christ's new nature continually, rather than continually feeding on literal bread and wine. To sum up, this is how believers "remember Jesus": 

(1) "To eat of his body" is to follow and obey his teachings and commands daily, out of love. 

(2) "To drink of his cup" is to suffer with him, to die to self, and serve others. 

Religious rituals or ceremonies, however sincere and devotional, are restrictive and deceiving, in that they can not achieve what Paul calls "the things of the spirit, for they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." (Rom 8:5)

"I Drink it New with You" — How?

The Lord's Supper is a perpetual sharing in Christ's new life. It is truly a "new" way through the Spirit. Sadly, many churches still perform the "Lord's Supper" as if they were under the old law, preparing literal bread and wine in a sombre, mournful, and funeral-like atmosphere. 

Notice the "New" way in which Jesus drinks or shares his spiritual body:

“I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it NEW with you in my Father's kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29)

“I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it NEW in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14:25)

"Until that day when I drink it new with you" doesn't mean performing other Passover rituals! It meant Christ, the true Passover, shares his new nature with believers through the Holy Spirit. This is how he drinks it "new" with all. No more old Passover ritual of bread and wine for Christ is our true Passover, "For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Cor 5:7). Since his resurrection, Christ's new spiritual life flows constantly to his followers, "He that believeth on me...out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 14:3)

Jesus also said he would drink it with us "In the kingdom of God." This has been fulfilled, for the Kingdom of God has already come on the Day of Pentecost, in the first century, when the Holy Spirit was poured on "all flesh." Ever since, true believers have been feeding and drinking spiritually on Christ Jesus.

Even a cursory reading of the NT shows that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, shares with us his new spiritual life (flesh and blood). The scriptures below prove it:

1.  The new Spirit of Christ teaches and guides: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26) “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13-15)

2.  The new Spirit gives revelation, wisdom, and power: “I keep asking that God...may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Eph 1:17-20)

3.  The new Spirit distributes spiritual gifts: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good...All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills." (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

4.  The new Spirit seals believers: “Ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” (Ephesians 1:13)

5.  The new Spirit produces spiritual fruits: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance...If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Gal 5:22-25)

What  About 1 Corinthians 11:17-34?

In this passage, Paul was addressing the Corinthians' behavioural problem regarding the Lord's supper. He said, "But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse." (1 Cor 11:17 ESV) 

Paul was not advising them on how to celebrate the Lord's supper ceremonially! Their spiritual gatherings, called Lord's suppers, became an opportunity for eating and even getting drunk. Note Paul's strong words, "When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not." (1 Cor 11:20-22 ESV)

Paul reminded them that their gatherings were to partake spiritually of Christ's body, of one another, as Jesus had instructed. The Corinthians needed to behave in a manner worthy of Jesus Christ, whom they came to partake of, rather than feasting on actual bread and wine, "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord." (1 Cor 11:27 ESV) 

Paul cautioned that they need to 'spiritually' discern what it means to eat and drink of Christ. If they don't, they will, figuratively, eat and drink adverse judgment, "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Cor 11:29 ESV) Clearly, then, not being adequately fed spiritually during their gatherings has led many to be spiritually weak, sick, and even dead: "That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died." (1 Cor 11:30 ESV)

Problems with a Literal Interpretation 

Problem 1

........................................

What if a believer desires to partake of the bread and the wine every day or several times a day? How much bread and wine can one consume without being imbalanced? A literal interpretation is problematic! The Lord's Supper isn't about a ritual meal for "The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Rom 14:17 NKJV) 

Problem 2

........................................

Are those who literally partake daily, somehow better than those who do monthly or annually? Again, a problem arises from a literal understanding rather than a spiritual one! Christ would never set specific days or festivals for us to keep, not even one! "Let no man... judge you ... in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days." (Col 2:16)

Problem 3

........................................

The problem of dogmatism arises when believers give more weight to religious rituals, ceremonies, and symbols than to the substance or the reality. While some simple rituals are not wrong in themselves, they can hinder or blind believers if adhered to without recognizing their reality. Rituals can be especially problematic if they are demanded to be followed. This is clearly shown by the scriptures below:

“Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you...with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” (Col 2:16-17 ESV) 

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the form of those things itself, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually every year, make those who approach perfect.” (Heb 10:1 ESV) 

Jesus Rejected Rituals

Israel viewed their sacrificial system and other laws, more or less, as strictly ritualistic without discerning their spiritual meaning! It caused God to say, "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." (Hosea 6:6) "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." (1 Sam 15:22)

Unlike Israel, Jesus broke away from unnecessary man-made rituals and traditions that dishonoured his Father. He rebuked the Pharisees, saying, “Thus making void the word of God by your traditions that you have handed down. And many such things you do.” (Mark 7:13)

Here is a partial list of unnecessary rituals and traditions Jesus broke away from: 

•   Healed on the Sabbath. 

•   Plucked grains on the Sabbath. 

•   Refused ritual washings. 

•   Freed an adulterous woman!

•   Forfeited marriage and family. 

•   Associated with sinners. 

•   Spoke openly to women.

•   Allowed women to follow Him. 

•   Accepted Jews and Gentiles alike.

Based on Jesus' way of thinking and character, it becomes difficult to imagine him as the type who would want His followers to keep a religious ritual or ceremony, just to prove their appreciation for his sacrifice! In rebuking their religious elders, Jesus said of their man-made rituals and traditions, "This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." (Matt 15:8 ESV) Religious rituals and ceremonies will, sooner or later, become lip service!

Church Communion does Little!

Communion as practiced by many Churches today is nothing more than a RITUAL of eating a tiny piece of bread and sipping some wine. What does it do? In itself, it does "nothing" to seriously change one’s character or make one closer to God and Jesus Christ, which is a believer's highest goal.

Rituals are easier and more convenient to follow than full obedience to Christ. They are easier than daily praying, reading, meditating, studying, and "Walking by faith." (2 Cor 5:7)

Add to this that ALL traditions and ceremonies in Israel under the old law have become spiritual realities for all believers under the New Covenant. Here's a short list:

•   Our Passover is Jesus Christ (1 Cor 5:4-8) 

•   The Circumcision is of the heart (Rom 2:29)

•   The Temple of God is the body of Christ (1 Cor 3:16) 

•   Jerusalem is a New heavenly Jerusalem (Gal 4:26) 

•   Our Sabbath is Christ (Matt 12:8) 

True worshippers no longer worship in a specific place, or in a particular way, or through rituals and traditions because, "If ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Gal 5:18 NKJV) All manner of physical worship had ceased for "True worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth." (John 4:21-24) Physical rituals — the Lord's Supper or others — will not make one truly spiritual; rather, it is the Spirit of Christ that does. Rituals, although they may appear to "have a form of godliness," they lack the power of the Spirit of God! (2 Tim 3:5)

Now What! 

I couldn't tell you what to do. It’s entirely up to the believer to decide whether to follow or forego the traditional "Lord's Supper." In making your decision, it helps to remember that Jesus Christ himself is our "new way." It is he whom we partake of by the Holy Spirit. He is the true Bread and the true Wine, not the literal bread and wine. For this, there is no ritual needed!

Also, one needs to realize that a symbol can never be greater than what it symbolizes. Is a wedding ring greater than marriage itself? Can a child's photo replace the child? Never! Similarly, a literal bread and wine do not replace the living Christ, the true bread and wine. 

Under the Old Covenant, all rituals and ordinances were merely “a shadow (a symbol, a type) of things to come; but the body (the reality) is of Christ.” (Col 2:17) All rituals and ordinances were done away in Christ, for he is our reality now.

When you partake daily of Jesus Christ, the Life-giving Spirit, the "Bread of Life", you will always be alive and spiritually nourished. There is no ritual, however delightful and devotional, that compares with Jesus Christ dwelling in you! "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:38)

❮ More Scriptural Studies

❮ HOME